Benzodiazepine Addiction Treatment in New Hampshire

Benzodiazepine (also known as benzo) is a prescription sedative that is commonly misused for its depressant and relaxing effects. Being widely prescribed and quite addictive, benzos have become a popular prescription drug to misuse. Known for causing intense relaxation, benzos are also notorious for causing sleepiness, dizziness, nausea, and even gastrointestinal problems. People misusing benzos may seem sleepy, more distracted, or just generally “out of it” as opposed to normal.

Definition of Benzodiazepine Use Disorder

Benzodiazepine, or benzos, use disorder is defined by the misuse of benzodiazepine in such a way that it affects a person’s regular day-to-day life. This means that the person using benzos will be using daily, have daily cravings, and when they are not using will likely have withdrawal symptoms. This disorder is also defined by the ways it affects a person’s social, professional, and home life in negative ways.

What are the Causes of Benzo Addiction?

There is not a single cause of benzo addiction. Addiction to benzos is usually caused by a combination of genetic, social, and environmental factors combined with the availability and consistent use of the drug. That being said, benzos are, by nature, a highly addictive substance. When misused they will regularly result in addiction.

Deciding if You Need Treatment

Ultimately, the decision to get treatment for benzodiazepine use disorder is one that lies with you and your healthcare provider. That being said, if you are using benzodiazepine daily in a way that is not prescribed, are thinking about and are craving benzos, and the use of benzos has affected your social, home, or professional life in any way, it is time to get help. Benzos, when misused, can actually have severe negative side effects such as slowed breathing, decreased heart rate, and even coma.

Treatment Options for Benzodiazepine Addiction

There are a variety of different treatment options available for benzodiazepine use disorder, though many people have found success in step-down programs that begin with detoxification, then residential care, and which is followed by outpatient care. Not only does this type of care break treatment up into manageable chunks, but it also sets up a solid foundation for each level of care and the recovery to follow.

Detoxification

The goal of detox programs is to provide support and medical assistance during the detoxification process to help mitigate withdrawal symptoms and assure a safe detox. Some detox is managed with medication while others are managed in more holistic ways.

Residential or Inpatient Rehab Services

Residential and inpatient services require patients to live at the facility full time while receiving treatment. During this time, patients will participate in full-time single and group programming and focus entirely on their recovery with the help of round-the-clock staffing.

Outpatient Rehab Services

Outpatient rehabilitation is typically the least intensive type of care and consists of weekly or biweekly appointments where patients work on a few hours of programming, but do not live at the facility. They may return home daily to practice the skills that they have learned.

What to Expect In a Benzodiazepine Rehab Center

In a benzodiazepine rehab, one could expect to follow the steps of detox, inpatient, and then outpatient rehab. The experiences of people in rehab vary greatly depending on the level of care they need. That being said, during your time in that rehab center, any substance use will likely be forbidden and you will be expected to follow the facility rules.

Get Help for Benzodiazepine Use Disorder Today

Here at Addiction Recovery Services, New Hampshire, we understand the difficulties that come with benzodiazepine use. We encourage you to call us at 978-228-5853.

Frequently Asked Questions About Benzodiazepine Treatment

How long do benzo withdrawals last? 

It can take anywhere from 10-30 hours for full symptoms of withdrawal to kick in. These symptoms can last anywhere from 7 days to an entire month.

Is the damage done by benzos reversible? 

There are many changes to the body that can be reversed by stopping benzo use. That being said, not all changes can be reversed, and whatever you have done while under the influence cannot be taken back.

What are some of the side effects of benzos?

Benzodiazepine is a depressant and so some of the side effects may include relaxation, sleepiness, drowsiness, confusion, and even memory loss.